The Venue RX

In this episode, Jonathan shares key insights from his experience at Wedding MBA 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Reflecting as both an attendee and exhibitor, he highlights three essential takeaways:

https://www.wevahub.com

In this episode of The Venue Rx Podcast, host Jonathan Aymin sits down with Mandi Young, owner of Juniper Gardens, a breathtaking garden wedding venue in southwest Missouri. Mandi opens up about her journey into venue ownership, highlighting the venue's distinctive mid-century modern design and the challenges she has overcome along the way. She shares personal anecdotes, including the meaningful story behind the venue's fireplace, and reflects on her experiences as a mother with a background in technical writing and project management. Mandi also dives into best practices for managing a wedding venue, highlighting the importance of fostering a warm and personalized experience for every couple.

About Our Guest: 

Juniper Gardens is a family-owned and operated business established by Mandi and Jesse Young. Their children, June and Carter, are also occasionally seen around the property, adding to the venue's welcoming, family-oriented atmosphere.

Mandi oversees the daily operations, social media, and marketing for the business. Her inspiring journey includes becoming a teen mom to a premature baby, earning multiple degrees, working as a project manager, renovating several homes with Jesse, and ultimately creating Juniper Gardens. She brings her passion for design, gardening, problem-solving, and mid-century modern aesthetics to every aspect of the venue.

Jesse and his team constructed both Juniper Gardens locations and continue to play a key role in ongoing improvements and projects, ensuring the venue maintains its exceptional standards.

Find Them Here: 

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://junipergardens417.com/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/junipergardens/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/junipergardens417

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/junipergardens417/

In this episode of The Venue Rx Podcast, our host Jonathan Aymin interviews Krisann Blanchard and her father, Fohn Bendele, the owners of Sparrow Field Estate Wedding, a Texas venue located just 30 minutes west of San Antonio. They share their inspiring journey of building a wedding venue from Krisann’s own wedding experience, highlighting the unique challenges and joys of a family-run business. With insights into balancing family roles, fostering open communication, and creating a whimsical outdoor space, Krisann and Fohn provide a behind-the-scenes look at their collaborative spirit and entrepreneurial endeavors, including a farm-to-table business and candle-making venture.

About Our Guest: 

Sparrow Field Estate is a family-owned wedding and events venue operated by Fohn and Jana Bendele in the picturesque countryside of south-central Texas. The idea for the venue began when their oldest daughter, Krisann, dreamed of getting married at her childhood home. Two years later, after their twins left for college, that dream began to take shape. With countless family meetings, construction projects, and renovations, Sparrow Field Estate has now become a reality, with each family member playing a role in crafting an unforgettable experience for the couples who celebrate there.

The venue includes everything needed to make a wedding day special: a scenic field with grazing longhorns, a sparkling pond, a grand white reception tent, and a charming bridal suite.

Find Them Here: 

Address: 1175 SH-173 N Hondo, TX 78861

Tel: (830) 741-1129

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://sparrowfieldestate.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparrowfieldestate/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557437662816

In this week’s episode of The Venue RX Podcast, host Jonathan Aymin welcomes venue coach Bonnie Hawthorne, who shares her inspiring journey from military service to becoming the owner and operator of multiple event venues. Bonnie discusses the obstacles she encountered, including navigating complex zoning laws, and emphasizes the importance of careful planning and education for those entering the venue business. She provides valuable insights on designing venue packages that resonate with clients, building strong vendor partnerships, and leveraging CRM tools to enhance operational efficiency. Her shift into coaching reflects her dedication to equipping new venue owners with the skills and support they need to thrive in the events industry.

About Our Guest: 

Bonnie Hawthorne is an accomplished venue consultant with over 11 years of firsthand experience as both the owner and manager of a highly successful wedding planning and design company. In addition, she has successfully operated three wedding and event venues. Her primary focus is on helping new venue owners establish profitable and sustainable businesses.

A venue consultant, like Bonnie, plays a crucial role in guiding both new and existing venue owners through the business aspects of their operations. From assisting with initial setup to providing strategic guidance to enhance operations, Bonnie prioritizes the business side, enabling venue owners to concentrate on essential areas, such as managing day-to-day operations and delivering exceptional client service without unnecessary interruptions.

With her own experiences as a venue owner, Bonnie intimately understands the challenges that come with running a venue. Her mission is to provide venue owners with the support and insights needed to create, manage, and sustain their businesses. Drawing on her extensive knowledge and industry expertise, Bonnie helps transform envisioned venues into profitable, well-managed spaces. Her ultimate goal is to equip clients with essential tools, resources, and strategies, along with a well-crafted brand and business plan, to turn their dream venues into a tangible reality.

Find Them Here: 

Website: https://www.bonnierhawthorne.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brhawthorneteaches

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brhawthorneteaches/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8rJW3SEa6pQJ1E25sMfRPg

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/brhawthorneteaches/

In this week’s episode of The Venue Rx Podcast, our host Jonathan Aymin sits down with Leah Nadu, owner of Historic Ashland, to explore her inspiring journey from the corporate world to successful venue ownership. Leah reflects on how her entrepreneurial family background influenced her path, the challenges she encountered in launching her business, and the emotional demands of managing a wedding venue. She shares valuable insights on understanding one’s strengths and passions, achieving balance between personal and professional life, and building a strong reputation. Leah also discusses her unwavering commitment to her clients and her vision for expanding Historic Ashland’s offerings beyond weddings.

About Our Guest: 

Leah is a seasoned events professional with a strong academic background, holding a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Temple University and an MBA from Elizabethtown College. In 2017, she co-founded Historic Ashland, a premier event venue where she serves as General Manager. Leah oversees every aspect of the business, from operations, finances, and property management to social media, marketing, and sales. Her expertise extends beyond weddings, as she also directs corporate and social events at Historic Ashland. Recently, Leah launched an educator brand under Historic Ashland, offering speaking engagements, presentations, and training sessions to share her insights and experience with the wider industry.

Find Them Here: 

Website: http://www.historicashlandevents.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HistoricAshland/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@historicashland

Instagram: ​​https://www.instagram.com/HistoricAshland/

X: https://twitter.com/historicAshland
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/historicashland/

In this episode of The Venue RX podcast, Jonathan Aymin interviews Kelsey and Tony Tenamore, the owners of Vezalay Mountain Venue in Dahlonega, Georgia. The couple shares their transition from the restaurant industry to running a wedding venue, offering insights into the challenges they faced and the strategies they've developed along the way. They emphasize the importance of clear communication with clients and careful strategic planning, which have been key to their success.

Kelsey and Tony also discuss their approach to improving the client experience by offering in-house services and all-inclusive packages, making it easier for couples to plan their weddings. They explain their decision to focus on social media marketing rather than traditional platforms like WeddingWire, highlighting the importance of authenticity and direct engagement with their audience. In addition to their business strategies, the Tenamores talk about balancing work, marriage, and family life while managing their venue, offering advice to others in similar situations.

About Our Guest: 

Kelsey and Tony Tenamore's journey to opening their own wedding venue began when fate brought them together while working in the service industry at a bar/restaurant in 2012. Though their careers eventually took different paths, their shared passion for hospitality would later unite them in a new venture. Kelsey moved on to work in corporate event planning for a large medical company, gaining valuable experience in organizing large-scale events. Meanwhile, Tony continued bartending, using the opportunity to learn the inner workings of small businesses and prepare for his future entrepreneurial goals.

As Tony's bartending career progressed, regular customers began requesting his services for private events, including weddings and parties. After working several small events, Tony quickly realized there was a significant demand in the market for his expertise. This sparked the idea of starting their own business, blending Kelsey's event planning skills with Tony's knowledge of the service industry. From this, their vision for creating a wedding venue was born.

Find Them Here: 

Address: 520 Hwy 52W, Dahlonega, GA 30533 

Email: [email protected]  

Website: http://www.vezalay.com/

Instagram: http://instagram.com/vezalaymountainvenue

Facebook: http://facebook.com/vezalay

In this episode of The Venue RX Podcast, our host Jonathan Aymin sits down with Helen Christopher, the owner of Brookledge, a wedding venue in Upstate New York. Helen shares her journey of transforming the property from a former girls' summer camp into a popular wedding destination. She talks about the challenges she faced, such as navigating local regulations and standing out in a competitive market, as well as her successes, including a high booking rate. Helen stresses the importance of embracing a venue's unique character, building strong vendor relationships, and creating a supportive community among venue owners. She also shares best practices for team management and highlights the power of collaboration in the wedding industry.

About Our Guest: 

Helen, a former elementary school teacher turned wedding venue owner, now runs Brookledge, a serene retreat in Upstate New York. In 2021, she purchased the property, a former girls' summer camp, and transformed its 60 acres into a haven of cabins, glamping tents, and event spaces. As the owner, Helen focuses on helping guests reconnect with nature and unwind from their busy lives. She has been featured in the Times Union, Ramble & Roam blog, and several podcasts. Helen also contributed to the best-selling book Hospitable Hosts 2 and co-hosts the podcast Wed & Bed. She lives with her family and two dogs in what was once Brookledge’s nurse’s office, embracing camp life every day.

Find Them Here: 

Tel: 518-937-7730

Email: [email protected]  

Website: http://www.brookledgeny.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brookledgeny

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brookledgeny/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/discover/brookeledge-cabin

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/brookledgeny/

In this episode of The Venue RX Podcast, host Jonathan Aymin sits down with Veronica Thompson to share her journey in the wedding industry and her vision for her new venue, The Legacy at Willow Pond in Suffolk Virginia. Veronica discusses the challenges she faced during the venue's construction, especially in securing financing amid the COVID-19 pandemic. She emphasizes the importance of perseverance, community support, and creating intentional event spaces. Drawing on her extensive background as an event planner, Veronica highlights the value of strategic planning and building strong industry connections. She also offers valuable insights into the complexities of venue management and underscores the significance of resilience in achieving long-term business success.

About Our Guest: 

Veronica Thompson is a seasoned wedding planner from Hampton Roads, Virginia, with decades of experience crafting one-of-a-kind, sophisticated events. As a planner herself, she knew precisely how to curate every element necessary to create the perfect venue. For Veronica, the excitement lies in building something from the ground up and being deeply involved in every aspect of the process.

The Legacy at Willow Pond, nestled in the scenic countryside of rural Suffolk, Virginia, in the Hampton Roads area, is a breathtaking modern, French country-inspired wedding and event venue. Thoughtfully designed by co-owner and multi-award-winning Wedding, Event Planner, and Designer, Veronica Thompson, the venue is more than just a space; it's an experience meant to make any special occasion truly unforgettable.

With a spacious event hall accommodating up to 200 guests, The Legacy at Willow Pond offers services tailored to meet the needs of weddings, corporate events, and social gatherings. The 23 acres of picturesque grounds exude natural charm and timeless elegance, providing the perfect backdrop for any event. Specializing in creating personalized, customized celebrations that reflect each client’s unique vision, the venue is committed to excellence and sustainability practices. The Legacy at Willow Pond is more than just a venue; it's a partner in crafting cherished memories, offering everything from meticulous event planning to stunning décor and world-class catering.

Find Them Here: 

Tel: (757) 579-0047

Email: [email protected] 

Website: http://www.legacyatwillowpond.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/legacyatwillowpondva

Instagram: https://instagram.com/legacyatwillowpondva

In this week's episode of The Venue Rx podcast, our host Jonathan Aymin sits down with Casey Hoffman, a successful wedding venue owner of The Brickyard on Main in Marion, Ohio, to explore best practices in venue management. Casey shares her journey from a background in catering to launching her first venue, Brickyard on Main, followed by Urban 501. The discussion highlights the importance of building partnerships, the challenges of renovating historic spaces, and strategies for attracting clients. Casey highlights the importance of clear communication, community involvement, and authentic marketing, while also emphasizing the need to treat both clients and staff well to maintain a successful business. 

About Our Guest: 

Casey Hoffman is the go-to person at The Brickyard on Main, an elegant urban-style wedding venue nestled in downtown Marion, Ohio. With a talent for understanding each couple’s vision, Casey is passionate about transforming those ideas into reality. Known for her laid-back and warm approach, she ensures that every planning meeting is relaxed and enjoyable, while focusing on creating the perfect wedding experience. Casey is excited to get to know each couple and bring every detail of their dream day to life, all within The Brickyard's sophisticated blend of modern design and historic charm, making it the ideal venue for life’s most special moments.

Find Them Here: 

Phone Number: (740) 251-2559

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://brickyardonmain.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brickyardonmain/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brickyardonmain/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebrickyard

In this week's episode of The Venue RX Podcast, our host Jonathan Aymin sits down with Karen and Janet, owners of Seashell Events in Old Orchard Beach, Maine. They dive into their journey into the wedding venue industry, showcasing the unique features of Seashell Events, including its stunning beachfront location and customizable wedding packages. Karen shares insights on the importance of fostering strong vendor relationships, the challenges of running a blank canvas venue, and their dedication to creating an inclusive space for all couples. The episode also highlights the value of community engagement, effective marketing strategies, and how the wedding industry continues to evolve.

About Our Guests: 

In 2019, Janet and Karen were thrilled to purchase Seashell Cottages, bringing with them over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Since 2008, they have welcomed thousands of travelers for beach vacations as owner/operators of multiple properties. Known as "The Shell," their venue has long been cherished as a beloved summer vacation destination for those who love all that Old Orchard Beach has to offer.

After feeling the magic of The Shell themselves, Janet and Karen realized that after 13 years together, they wanted to get married on the beach in Old Orchard Beach and celebrate with friends and family on their property. On June 18th, 2021—exactly 15 years from the day they met—they tied the knot, and it was during this celebration that the vision for Seashell Events was born. Now, they are excited and honored to share the magic of this special property with couples for their wedding celebrations.

Find Them Here: 

Phone Number: 207-934-5623

Email: [email protected] 

Website: https://seashellcottagesoob.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seashellcottagesoob

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seashellcottagesevents/